Multi-instrumentalist songwriter and producer The Kut has announced the launch of a new Artist Residency at Cartel Rehearsal & Recording Studios, establishing a London hub for female creatives working in music and performance in Acton, and confirming the first cohort of Cartel Studios Resident Artists.
The residency runs for three months from May through to August and brings 11 selected London creatives into the studio for support and development on a regular basis. Based in West London and supporting both emerging and established artists, the Cartel Studios Residency forms part of the studio’s wider aim to create access and opportunity for female creatives in London.
Hosted across three studios that are geared for live instrument rehearsals (Studio 1), live instrument recording (Studio 2) and electronic music / vocal production (Studio 3) the space also provides residents with access to two vocal booths, dressing area, wardrobe and retro gaming alongside obligatory drinks and kitchen facilities.
The studio’s artist-friendly pricing and female orientated environment are core to its existence. As The Kut explained, her motivation to set up the studio came from struggling to access affordable rehearsal and recording spaces while starting out in London.
“I decided to set up a studio because I had a terrible experience of paying for overpriced spaces. One night we’d been double booked in the rehearsal room we usually practiced in in the basements of New Cross, and so last minute had to pay £80 for a room with just a few basics, just to play for a few hours. We paid it because we had a gig on the way and needed to rehearse but if I didn’t grow up in Blackpool and have a quick win on a fruit machine it would have been totally unaffordable for us. I decided there and then to set up something better.”
Fast forward ten years and Cartel Studios has birthed recordings from several exciting female-led projects. This started with Argonaut’s self-titled debut right through to the documented rehearsals and tracking for The Kut’s UK Number 1 Rock Album GRIT – the Official Charts Company award for which is now taking pride of place in Studio 2.
Announcing the selected Resident Artists on her socials, The Kut shared; “I’m absolutely over the moon to welcome Cartel Studios’ first Resident Artists following some incredible applications and an incredibly difficult selection process. These ladies are all making incredible creative work in the capital, predominantly in music but also in the theatre or dance space. Huge congratulations to you all.”
artel Studios’ Resident Artists (May 2026)
Alea @alea_iacta_est_off
Emi Acidic @emiacidic
6ixZB @6ix.zb
Lola Pony @lolaponytv
Mansion @missyouwheniwakeup
Daisy Boi @daisyboi_
Eche @__eche____
IcedBarbie @icedbxrbie
Elise Marra (2003 Productions) @elisemarra
Queen of Uncool @queenofuncool
Marianne Leigh @mariannehleigh
With resident artists attending at set points each week, the studios are available for recording (with or without an in-house engineer) and rehearsals (full band or solo) at all other times: “The diary is now open! We look forward to welcoming all the bands and artists that will be coming to record and rehearse here at Cartel Studios over the next few months”.
Studio Bookings: https://www.criminalrecords.cc/cartel-studios
Socials @CartelStudiosLondon
